Master of National Security Policy
Photo by Diane Baldwin/RAND; styling by Haley Okuley/RAND
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Key Facts at a Glance
- Generous scholarships available
- No application fee
- Full- and part-time options
- Available in two locations: Washington, DC-metro and Los Angeles, CA
- Finish in one academic year
“Our Master of National Security Policy degree program, strategically situated steps from the Pentagon, continues our commitment to data-based research and analytical problem solving in the national security space — a commitment RAND has delivered on since our inception 76 years ago.”
Jason Matheny, RAND president and CEO
Why You Should Apply
National security issues are growing in complexity. From cyber and information warfare to terrorism and geopolitical tensions, a new generation of experts is needed to confront emerging threats. Pardee RAND's Master of National Security Policy is an imperative for anyone ready to make a difference. Our one-academic-year program equips students with the skills to grow or launch careers as foreign and national policy practitioners, researchers, and more. All academic backgrounds are needed.
- Learn from leading experts shaping national security issues
- Gain real-world insights from faculty working with the White House, Pentagon, and U.S. intelligence agencies
- Conduct research and analysis on critical national security challenges
- Develop expertise in important topics like the defense acquisition process, national strategy, and space policy
- Full-time and part-time options available to support your schedule
- Attend classes at our Washington, DC-area and Los Angeles-area campuses
- Take advantage of generous scholarships
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Curriculum
Students complete a minimum of 12 units to graduate.
Empirical Analysis for National Security (3 units required; choose 3 courses)
- Methods of National Security (1 unit)
- Cost-Benefit and Cost-Effectiveness Analysis (1 unit)
- Introduction to Qualitative Analysis (1 unit)
- Introduction to Quantitative Analysis (1 unit)
Policy Analysis for National Security (3 units, all required)
- Emerging Technology and National Security (0.5 units)
- Implementing Good Ideas (0.5 units)
- Introduction to National Security (1 unit)
- Understanding the Strategic Environment (1 unit)
Regional Focus (1 unit required; choose 1 course)
- Indo-Pacfic Security (1 unit)
- European Security (1 unit)
- Middle East Security (1 unit)
- U.S. Homeland Security (1 unit)
Functional Focus (1 unit required; choose 1 course)
- Economics and National Security (1 unit)
- Diplomacy and National Security (1 unit)
- Intelligence and National Security (1 unit)
- Advanced Military Operations (1 unit)
National Security Electives (3 units)
Exemplar classes are listed below. Courses vary by year. Additional regional and functional courses may also count as electives.
- China’s National Security and Military Modernization
- Defense Budgeting
- Games for Policy Analysis
- The Interagency and National Security
- Political Geography for International and Public Policy
- Risk Management
- Space Policy
- Understanding Nuclear Forces
National Security Policy Capstone Project (1 unit)
Complete a capstone project to demonstrate mastery of national security policy analysis. Students will work with their advisor to determine the appropriate capstone.
Sample Schedule
The following is a sample schedule for a full-time student. Please note that actual schedules may vary based on course availability and student preferences.
Fall
- Introduction to National Security (1 unit)
- Implementing Good Ideas (0.5 units)
- Emerging Technology and National Security (0.5 units)
- Introduction to Quantitative Analysis (1 unit)
- Indo-Pacific Security (1 unit)
Winter
- Introduction to the Strategic Environment (1 unit)
- Introduction to National Security Methods (1 unit)
- Introduction to Quantitative Analysis (1 unit)
- Intelligence and National Security Policy (1 unit)
Spring
- Middle East Security (1 unit)
- China’s National Security and Military Modernization (1 unit)
- Games for Policy Analysis (1 unit)
- National Security Policy Capstone (1 unit)
Career Paths After Pardee RAND
- Policy Analyst
- Research Specialist
- Program Evaluator
- Consultant
- Local Government Officer
- Policy Advisor
- Civil Service Administrator
- Foreign Affairs Officer/Diplomat
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Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most common questions we've received. If you have others, contact us!
Our application process is easy!
- We do not require GRE or other test scores!
- Letters of recommendation are optional
- Upload your resume
- Share your (unofficial) transcript(s)
- Provide a short statement of interest
Full-time students enroll in 4 units per quarter (excluding summer) and complete the degree in three quarters, or roughly 9 months. Part-time enrollment is also an option, with a customized course load and completion timeline based on individual circumstances.
Courses are taught by faculty based in Santa Monica, Washington, and elsewhere. Most courses will be offered in person to facilitate interaction with faculty and students. Some courses will be online or hybrid.
Classes will be offered on weekdays, some during business hours and some in the evening.
View our Course CatalogFull-time tuition is $50,000 and students are eligible for scholarships up to $25,000. Part-time tuition is $4,167 per unit and, unlike many graduate programs, part-time students are also eligible for scholarships—up to $2,100 per unit.
Learn more about funding your programAnticipated class sizes are small, ranging from a few students up to 45.
Our capstone requirement can be fulfilled through an independent thesis, a group project, or on-the-job training (OJT) on a RAND project with prior approval.
Students who are approved to complete OJT for their capstone will be paid for this work. Employment at RAND is independent of program admission.
While hiring decisions are made by RAND's Global Research Talent departments, the MNSP program provides exposure to RAND research that can be beneficial for future opportunities.
Career Services can also assist in identifying opportunities post-graduation.
The MNSP is not STEM-designated, but students can take quantitative coursework and electives in STEM fields.
The MNSP can serve as a pathway to Pardee RAND's Ph.D. program, with transferable units and a fast-tracked application process for successful MNSP students.